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England legend Lineker to leave iconic BBC TV show after 25 years

Former England captain Gary Lineker's soccer career was not so shoddy, but it is his activities off the pitch — from his TV punditry to his own growing podcast empire — that have turned him into a truly national figure.

Which is why the news that Lineker's 25-year stint as presenter of Match of the Day — the BBC's flagship soccer highlights show — will come to an end at the conclusion of the current season has been front and back page news across Britain.

The BBC said Lineker — the broadcaster's highest-paid presenter, earning an annual salary of 1.35 million pounds ($1.7 million) — would remain at the corporation after both parties "agreed in principle to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup".